Century Aluminum Co., Monterey, Calif., has appointed Michael Bless as acting president and CEO. He had been serving as the company’s executive vice president and CFO. He replaces Logan Kruger, who has filed a lawsuit against Century alleging breach of contract and wrongful termination. The company denies the charges.

John Surma, chairman and CEO of U.S. Steel, has been elected chairman of the American Iron and Steel Institute, Washington, D.C. He succeeds Nucor Chairman and CEO Dan DiMicco, who served as the chairman for the previous 18 months.

McJunkin Red Man Holding Corp. has appointed James F. Underhill as executive vice president and chief operating officer-North America. James E. Braun will replace him as executive vice president and chief financial officer. Underhill will be responsible for all of MRC’s U.S. and Canadian operations.

Direct Metals Co. LLC, a distributor of specialty metal and fiberglass products based in Kennesaw, Ga., has added Chad Dubinski to its sales team. As a sales representative, he will be responsible for promoting Direct Metals’s full inventory line and fabrication capabilities to current and potential customers.